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As many as 170,000 people are at risk of missing out on the Government's $350 Cost of Living Payment, because the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) doesn't have their bank account numbers.
Addressing Parliament's Finance and Expenditure Committee, IRD acting commissioner and chief … View moreAs many as 170,000 people are at risk of missing out on the Government's $350 Cost of Living Payment, because the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) doesn't have their bank account numbers.
Addressing Parliament's Finance and Expenditure Committee, IRD acting commissioner and chief executive Cath Atkins said she is confident the tax department can track down most of these people.
It has already sourced around 130,000 bank account numbers, which it didn't have.
But IRD believes it'll struggle to contact 11,000 of the 170,000 people it still needs to get hold of.
Around 2.1 million people, who earn less than $70,000 a year (before tax) and don't receive the Winter Energy Payment, are eligible for the payment, unveiled at the May Budget.
Atkins said as many as 750 IRD staff will be required to administer the scheme at peak times when payments fall due.
She said 300 of these staff are being contracted for a five-month period, largely to deal with inquiries from the public.
The payment will be paid in three monthly instalments of $116.67 starting from August 1.
Those eligible don't need to apply; they'll receive it automatically. But they may like to check, via the myIR online portal, whether IRD has their correct bank account number.
People have until March 31, 2023 to update their details with IRD to get the payment.
Finance Minister Grant Robertson has allocated $814 million towards the payment.
IRD confirmed $14m of this will go towards the 300 contractors' wages, office space, IT infrastructure, postage and printing.
Pressed by National MPs Andrew Bayly and Nicola Willis about the cost associated with administering the payment, Atkins said some of the contractors had been working on projects that are wrapping up, including IRD's Business Transformation project, and Covid-related support.
She said it was important IRD was adequately staffed to address public inquiries, which are likely to escalate when payments fall due.
Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick asked Revenue Minister David Parker, who also appeared before the committee, whether IRD would be able to employ fewer contractors if the payment was more universal.
Parker said this would simply cost a lot more.
He also said employing 300 contractors isn't as material as one might think, given IRD has been cutting staff in recent years.
It employed 4106 full-time equivalents in the year to June 2021 – a drop from 5401 in 2017.
Parker said IRD needs to be able to continue doing its other work while it administers the Cost of Living Payment.
He said IRD having more people's bank account numbers will also make the tax system more efficient in the long term.
National Party finance spokeswoman Nicola Willis characterised the Cost of Living Payment as a "bureaucratic dog's breakfast".
"IRD is now having to build a massive bureaucracy to administer it, and taxpayers are being landed with the bill," she told.
She questioned exactly how much the 300 contractors were being paid, noting IRD's recruitment effort is taking place at a time the labour market is exceptionally tight. IRD wouldn't disclose this information.
Furthermore, she said, "Far from targeted, IRD has confirmed that many high-income earners will qualify while thousands of lower income earners will miss out due to missing bank account details.
"Instead of going into bureaucratic overdrive, the Government should have simply inflation-adjusted existing income tax brackets."
Act leader David Seymour believed the Cost of Living Payment exemplifies "rushed policy by ministers who don't ask practical questions".
"The payment is inflationary to the extent that it helps," he told.
"The Prime Minister said, earlier in the week, that she didn't think it would be inflationary because it wouldn't last very long. Well, it also makes it less effective at achieving its underlying goal.
"There are a whole lot of reasons why it's not a good policy. The only conclusion you can come to is, they felt a need to do something to address the political imperative of having an answer to the cost of living crisis."
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Want to give something back to your community? How about volunteering with Victim Support? We’re recruiting new volunteers in your neighbourhood now.
Volunteer Support Workers come from all walks of life, just like those who need our help. They make an incredible difference by providing … View moreWant to give something back to your community? How about volunteering with Victim Support? We’re recruiting new volunteers in your neighbourhood now.
Volunteer Support Workers come from all walks of life, just like those who need our help. They make an incredible difference by providing support and information for people affected by crime and trauma. Volunteers receive comprehensive training and support from our locally based staff.
Check out our website for more information or call us on 0800 volunteer - 0800 86 58 68.
Stolen LUCCA TRAILER in Massey, rego 95H80. All around trailer is sign STONE&MARBLE.LTD. Please call Bob 027709220, Thanks
Find out if you have Spark’s Wireless Broadband at your address and start the exciting journey. Stay connected, surf the web, and confidently work from home with more choice and freedom that the internet brings to our lives. Not available everywhere.
Spark modem connected to mains power … View moreFind out if you have Spark’s Wireless Broadband at your address and start the exciting journey. Stay connected, surf the web, and confidently work from home with more choice and freedom that the internet brings to our lives. Not available everywhere.
Spark modem connected to mains power required, costs $106.20 or available on IFP. Fair use policy, data caps and Spark’s terms apply.
Multi layer pipes for pressure application
For hot and cold water plumbing
Got 3 pipes and each measures length of more than 8ft
Price is for each
Anybody has surplus mulch to give away please send me a text and I will collect 0275 828 978 Keith Thanks
Different color, design and size rope bowls for everyday use and perfect for gifts.
More on the way
As partners of the Elemental festival, Stuff Travel is giving away 2 amazing packages! For each you'll win 2 nights of luxury stay at Fable Auckland with a welcome dinner and daily breakfasts. You'll also get tickets to either the Takurua - Nafanua, The War Goddess or the Auckland Fried … View moreAs partners of the Elemental festival, Stuff Travel is giving away 2 amazing packages! For each you'll win 2 nights of luxury stay at Fable Auckland with a welcome dinner and daily breakfasts. You'll also get tickets to either the Takurua - Nafanua, The War Goddess or the Auckland Fried Chicken Festival.
Flights included for those out of Auckland.
We have a ‘bush apartment’ for rent in Titirangi, available early July. Huge space, separate bedroom (double bed), suitable for people who like dogs, creative people, beautiful surroundings, is long term and isn't too rowdy. Fully furnished - just walk right in. Secret swimmable beach 4 … View moreWe have a ‘bush apartment’ for rent in Titirangi, available early July. Huge space, separate bedroom (double bed), suitable for people who like dogs, creative people, beautiful surroundings, is long term and isn't too rowdy. Fully furnished - just walk right in. Secret swimmable beach 4 mins walk away through nikau grove. Dedicated car deck. $400 one person, $450 two people, includes power, water, wifi. Txt me 021 1111 869.
Happy Matariki 2022!
It's a time to celebrate new life, to remember those who’ve passed, and to plan for the future. Matariki is a time to spend with whānau and friends – to enjoy kai (food), waiata (song), tākaro (games), and haka.
Build a cosy bug hotel to hang in a quiet corner of your garden and paint it in your favourite Resene hues.
Find out how to create your own.
It’s all happening in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, there’s events all across the region right now!
From family fun to epic live music, and Matariki celebrations to sports Galore it’s all on your doorstep.
Check out what’s happening at What’s on in Auckland on Facebook. Get out there … View moreIt’s all happening in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, there’s events all across the region right now!
From family fun to epic live music, and Matariki celebrations to sports Galore it’s all on your doorstep.
Check out what’s happening at What’s on in Auckland on Facebook. Get out there and enjoy!
I have lived here for over 23 years, married here, had kids here, they studied here, now work here like me and my wife.
I love that we have one of the most diverse residents in Auckland
I love the fact that you can go and enjoy nature in 1 of the 220 parks in our area.
I feel welcomed when … View moreI have lived here for over 23 years, married here, had kids here, they studied here, now work here like me and my wife.
I love that we have one of the most diverse residents in Auckland
I love the fact that you can go and enjoy nature in 1 of the 220 parks in our area.
I feel welcomed when people say good day on the street and smile without prejudice
I feel connected when we come together as a community to help one another out during storms, sharing food parcels during lockdown, planting spoons in kindy, helping families who have lost everything due to fire or other unavoidable circumstances.
That is why I #LoveHendersonMassey
It's been a great week for our Diploma, Level 5 students preparing these exquisite dishes with seafood.
Starting from the top we have the Pacific Island crudo with Salmon and Coconut. The bottom left is a Mexican Tuna ceviche in lime with corainder chilli and mint and the last dish is … View moreIt's been a great week for our Diploma, Level 5 students preparing these exquisite dishes with seafood.
Starting from the top we have the Pacific Island crudo with Salmon and Coconut. The bottom left is a Mexican Tuna ceviche in lime with corainder chilli and mint and the last dish is Quenelle of Sole and Crayfish with sauce Nantua.
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